Addressing the 17th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) in Hanoi, Viet Nam, Hon. Gitanjana Gunawardena, Deputy Minister of External Affairs stated that “Terrorism by nature thrives on the vulnerabilities of democratic States and lacuna in international law. Much of the rules of war and norms are based on the presumption that the parties to the conflict are conventional armies of responsible States, but terrorists totally disregard these laws and principles”. In this context he stated that Sri Lanka has successfully defeated one of the most ruthless terrorist organizations known in contemporary history, through a humanitarian operation.

He further said that the objective of H.E Mahinda Rajapaksa, the President and his Government now is to restore the country’s normal democratic way of governance and to simultaneously ensure the economic development in the hitherto conflict affected areas.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted the ability of terrorist organizations to operate by exploiting cross border linkages, and to have easy access to sophisticated and advanced technologies. He therefore emphasised the importance of marshalling collective efforts to curtail transnational operations of terrorists, including financing of illicit activities by Diaspora groups and sympathizers. “No country or region would be entirely free and safe of the scourge of such threats and associated illicit activities” without collective efforts”, he said.

He reiterated the importance of abiding by the time tested principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of one another as well as the mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and national identity of all nations. The way forward in resolving problems should be constructive engagement, confidence building and consensus he stated.

On the sidelines of the ARF Meeting, Hon. Deputy Minister had the opportunity for informal bilateral engagements with the Foreign Ministers of Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines and Pakistan. He also had the opportunity to meet with US State Secretary Clinton, Deputy Minister of External Affairs of India and the Secretary-General of ASEAN.

(Statement by Hon. Dy. Minister attached)

23rd July 2010

Statement by Hon. Gitanjana Gunawardena, the Deputy Minister of External Affairs at the 17th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Ministerial Retreat
Hanoi, Vietnam, 23rd July 2010

Chairman, His Excellency Pham Gia Khiem,
Hon. Foreign Ministers,
Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,

I congratulate your Excellency for your able stewardship and the guidance provided to the 17th ARF process. I would also like to extend to the Government of Viet Nam, the sincere appreciation of the Sri Lanka delegation for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements made for the 17th ASEAN Regional Forum.

Mr. Chairman,

Today, I speak in this august forum as a representative of a country that succeeded in defeating a long standing security threat from one of the most ruthless terrorist organizations known in contemporary history. Subsequent to the successful humanitarian rescue operation last year, the objective of H.E. Mahinda Rajapaksa the President and his Government is to restore our normal democratic way of governance and simultaneously ensure the economic development in the hitherto conflict-affected areas. We have succeeded in conducting elections in North and East and to allow the People to enjoy their right to elect own leaders. We have ambitious plans to bring economic dividends to all people to consolidate and sustain peace. We sincerely appreciate the cooperation received from the ARF Member Countries during our fight against this virulent form of terrorism and also in the post conflict rebuilding efforts.

Mr. Chairman,

Terrorism by nature thrives on the vulnerabilities of democratic States and lacuna in international law. Much of the rules of war and norms are based on the presumption that the parties to the conflict are conventional armies of responsible States but terrorists totally disregard these laws and principles. Most terrorist organizations have the capacity to operate by exploiting cross border linkages, and have easy access to sophisticated and advanced technologies. Non-State actors such as terrorist groups have relatively easy access to illicit weapons. This is also because there is no dedicated international regime to conduct surveillance let alone interdiction of such illicit arms trafficking. On the other hand, external actors such as diaspora groups openly fund arms purchases aimed at destabilizing States whilst receiving support and protection in their host countries, and their criminal agents cross international boundaries at will unchecked. Hence security threats continue against countries that have scored military success over terrorism. Unless collective efforts are marshalled to curtail transnational operations of terrorists, including financing of illicit activities no country or region would be entirely free and safe of the scourge of such threats and associated illicit activities.

Mr. Chairman,

The Government of Sri Lanka, under the leadership of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, stands ready to support the efforts by the international community, especially the United Nations, in addressing the issue of terrorism. We have, in June this year, co-hosted with the UN, a Regional Workshop for Police and Prosecuting Officers on Effectively Countering Terrorism, as a manifestation of our international commitment towards this issue. We call for support of all UN Member States for an early conclusion of the UN Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism. Under Sri Lanka’s Chairmanship in 2009, the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) adopted the SAARC Ministerial Declaration on Cooperation in Combating Terrorism.

The ASEAN Regional Forum has helped member countries to share each other’s experiences and best practices in tackling serious crimes such as human smuggling, illicit trafficking of arms and narcotics. Sharing intelligence and capacity building in affected States is vital to curtail illicit trafficking. Much needed funds for terrorism are generated through such activities. Hence, effective mechanisms to monitor and proscribe such assets need to be put in place.

Mr. Chairman,

In Sri Lanka, we have enhanced surveillance in intercepting illegal trafficking in the high seas, especially in curtailing trafficking of persons and goods smuggling by small boats. Solutions to this problem should include transparent policies by originating, transit and receiving countries to discourage illegal migration and irregular movement of people. Granting asylum or refugee status on perceived claims of persecution would only be a covert encouragement for illegal and irregular migration. Hence, security networks and policing of territorial waters alone may not be able to prevent the illegal movement of people and illicit trade.

Mr. Chairman,

Three years ago, my country acceded to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation of Southeast Asia with the sincere resolve to promote peace, stability and co-operation. What has proven relevant time and again for our countries under the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation are the two key principles of non-interference in the internal affairs of one another as well as, the mutual respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity and national identity of all nations. Therefore, the way forward lie in the three big “C’s - Constructive engagement, Confidence Building and Consensus. This should be the driving force of our common endeavours in this forum.

I thank you.